Epilogue
Graham
Two Weeks Later
Kent Estate
Diana guided Luna along the ridge overlooking their primary estate in Kent. The mare responded to her slightest touch, and Diana reveled in the freedom of being back atop her horse and the opportunity to ride across the countryside in a way she couldn’t have done back in London.
“Getting rather confident, aren’t we?” Graham called from beside her on Midnight, his green eyes sparkling with amusement and a hint of pride.
“Confident enough to race you back to the stables,” Diana challenged, already turning Luna toward home.
“Diana, wait—”
But she was already urging Luna into a canter, laughing as she heard Graham curse behind her before Midnight’s hoofbeats thundered in pursuit. Racing Luna sent excitement coursing through her, with the morning air crisp against her cheeks.
They were nearly to the fence line when the queasiness hit.
Diana pulled Luna to an abrupt stop, her stomach roiling. She pressed a hand to her mouth, willing the sensation to pass.
“Diana?” Graham was beside her instantly, with Midnight dancing anxiously beneath him. “What’s wrong?”
“I need to—” She didn’t finish, sliding from Luna’s back and stumbling to the nearby hedgerow where she lost what little breakfast she’d managed.
Graham was off his horse and at her side in an instant, steadying her with a supportive hand on her back. “Sweetheart, what’s happened? Should I send for the doctor?”
Diana accepted the handkerchief he offered, wiping her mouth with shaking hands. “It’s nothing. Perhaps I rode too hard after eating.”
His brows drew together as he studied her face, one hand coming to rest against her forehead. “You’re not feverish. But Diana, this has happened the past few mornings now.”
They looked at each other in silence. Diana watched confusion flicker across Graham’s features before his eyes slowly widened with understanding.
“Could it be…?” His voice came out uncertain, as if he hardly dared to voice the thought.
Diana’s hand moved instinctively to her abdomen. “It’s certainly possible. And given our enthusiasm for certain activities.”
Graham’s entire expression transformed, joy and wonder replacing concern. “Our child,” he whispered, his hand covering hers. “Diana, we might have a precious babe.”
“We don’t know for certain yet,” she said softly, though her heart was already racing with the possibility.
He helped her to sit on a fallen log, kneeling before her and taking her hands in his. “How are you feeling now? Better?”
“Much better. The morning air helps.” She squeezed his hands. “We should walk the horses back.”
Diana stood slowly, grateful when the world remained steady. “Perhaps we will share our suspicions with your mama and grandmama.”
Although given the way they’d watched her since they had arrived, they might already have ascertained the same.
“Of course.” Graham helped her back onto Luna, his hands lingering on her waist. “Though if you’re feeling unwell again—”
“I’m fine,” she assured him, though she appreciated his concern. “Just… perhaps no more races until we know for certain.”
They rode back slowly, side by side, Graham’s hand occasionally reaching over to touch hers where it rested on Luna’s neck. Once they reached the stables, he carefully lifted her down.
Hand in hand, they walked toward the house. Her mind raced with thoughts of hope that she carried their first child.
As they entered through the garden door, Diana could hear the women chatting in the morning room.
“There you are!” Augusta’s voice carried down the hallway. “We were beginning to wonder if you’d ridden to London and back.”
They found Augusta and Lady Harrowby together in the morning room already settled with tea. They appeared almost as if they had never been apart. Diana took her seat on the open settee nearby.
“Mother, I hope you’re planning to stay through the end of the month,” Graham said, settling beside Diana. “Diana’s been working with Crawford on the winter preparations, and I think you’d enjoy seeing her improvements in action.”
Diana reached for the plate of small cakes beside the tea service, her mouth watering at the sight. “Lemon cakes,” she said with satisfaction, selecting one. “I’ve been craving these all morning.”
Graham chuckled beside her. “Don’t go sharing those cakes with just anyone. They are a weapon in the wrong hands.”
“I’ve already captured my earl,” Diana replied, giggling as she took a bite.
“And you didn’t require cake, my love.” Graham’s hand found hers automatically.
Lady Harrowby cleared her throat, but she wore an approving grin.
Diana swatted her husband’s arm playfully and focused on the women. “How long are you both planning to stay?”
“We aren’t in a rush to depart,” Augusta replied, reaching for the teapot. “Besides, Diana might need—”
She stopped abruptly, her gaze moving between Diana and Graham before focusing on her tea.
“Need what?” Diana asked carefully, though she had a feeling she knew where this was leading.
“Well,” Lady Harrowby started, “We couldn’t help but notice you’ve been rather pale these past few mornings. And Graham has been hovering even more than usual, if such a thing is possible.”
Diana allowed her hopes to rise. If the women also suspected, then it seemed it would be even more likely.
“We… that is, we think it’s possible…” Diana glanced at Graham, who nodded in agreement. “But it’s too early to be certain.”
Augusta’s eyes filled with tears as she looked between Graham and Diana. “A grandchild,” she repeated softly. “Oh, my dear children. How wonderful if it’s true.”
She rose, reaching for Diana to pull her into a tight embrace. “I’m certain your mother would have been so proud to see you married and settled. And if you are indeed expecting…” She paused, obviously overcome by emotion.
Graham rose and placed his hand on the small of her back. “I keep thinking Father would have been amazed to see how everything worked out as well.”
“He would have been a devoted grandfather,” Augusta said with certainty. “For all his faults, he loved children. He used to say that babies were proof that hope exists in the world.”
Diana felt the tears coming as she imagined her husband holding their babe in his arms, and all of their family and friends there in support.
Augusta returned to her mother. The two women began discussing possibilities and preparations, and Graham leaned closer to Diana, his lips brushing her ear.
“How are you feeling? Truly?”
Diana considered the question carefully. “Tired. Queasy in the mornings. And rather emotional, it seems.” She paused, wiping tears from her eyes. “But also… hopeful. Frightened, but hopeful.”
Graham’s hand moved to rest gently over her still-flat stomach. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”
“I know,” Diana said, covering his hand with hers. “Though if I am expecting, you cannot spend the entire time treating me as if I might break. Promise me.”
Graham’s smile was rueful. “I’ll try. Though you must promise to tell me if you need anything. Anything at all.”
“I promise.”
Graham lifted their joined hands to press a kiss to her knuckles. “We’ve built something beautiful, haven’t we?”
“More beautiful than I ever could have imagined.”
And it was only going to get better.
The End